Report

Match report (Men)

Thanks to everyone that came out to the first fixture of the season. We
managed to achieve a very respectable 2nd place result on a particularly
miserable rainy day. And with this match so close to London Marathon, it
was great that we were still able to fill out the events with good athletes.

The team was made up of many track regulars, and a few new faces. New boy,
Maximilian Bonnier came out for a great high jump (even if it was sub-par by
his standards) but unfortunately strained his hamstring on the 100m. Kay
Obi tried his hand at a few events, and stepped in as a scoring shot putter
with a 7.39m debut (even though he had never done it before). Now if
someone could teach him how to do it properly...

We had a huge field of 800m runners - and the non-scoring race was entirely
serpies. Looks like there'll be some hot competition for scoring places in
the 800m this season.

Alex Malzer filled in all over the place - including taking on the 400m
hurdles and the triple jump. He was joined by marathoner Rick Weston in the
triple jump. Rick also ran a great post-marathon 5k (15:47.50) and helped
out with the 4x100m when we were short. In fact, half the 4x100 team had run
London marathon (Dave Morgan running leg 2), showing great team spirit to
help us make up the team. Hugh Torry, yet another
post-London-should-be-resting runner, turned up for a great steeplechase
(both he and Miguel Branco taking maximum points) and anchored the 4x400m.

There were loads of other great performances, but I can't mention everyone.
Great to have so much team spirit even when the weather is rubbish.

Match report (Women)
What the women's team lacked in quantity of athletes they more than
made up for in quality. Illness, weddings, holidays and work commitments
saw us with a team of just 10 start the match. That was swiftly reduced to
9 when newcomer Marta picked up a quad injury on the first field
event, the long jump - but still managed 2nd place in the A string and
3 points. A quick phone call saw Vic Carter drafted into the 1500m and
me (Lisa Pettit) moving to cover the sprints and 400m with Jen Marzullo and
Stef Vaatz.

I owe a huge thank you to everyone in the team (Marta, Steph, Jane,
Olga, Grace, Mary, Vic Carter, Vic Crawford, Jen & me) who worked
really hard in the wind and rain to score as many points as we could
and didn't once moan about the weather. While everyone contributed and
competed across multi-events, including those they don't train for,
special mentions should go to:
Mary Davies - our star of the field scoring maximum points in the
hammer, shot and javelin for her category and scoring 3rd place in the
high jump, not a event Mary trains for or probably wants to do again.
I should also mention Mary was actually only beaten in distance on her
hammer throw by the first place man from Orion!

Vic Carter - who after running a fantastic 3.09 marathon last Sunday,
came and ran a 1500m in 5.18, won the a 1500m steeplechase and a leg
of the 4 x 400m relay team all within 70 minutes of each other. Vic
showed amazing strength and kept pushing on even when she was well in
the lead on the steeplechase and could have taken her foot of the
pedal.

Overall we scored 10 first place positions across A & B strings which
is a fantastic performance and when we have full compliment of
athletes and can cover all the events I'm sure this will only be
bettered.

The next match is Saturday 19th May also at Battersea and if you would
like to be part of this awesome team, I'd love to hear from you.
Please email me at lpserpie330@gmail.com

Someone left a vest at the track on Saturday and I have it and have
even washed it for you!
Please claim from me.